In a landmark show of African solidarity and ownership in development financing, Sierra Leone and four other African nations have pledged a collective $16 million to the next replenishment cycle of the African Development Fund (ADF).
The announcement came during a high-level constituency meeting held on the sidelines of the African Development Bank Group’s Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Sheku Bangura, who chairs the constituency’s governors, hailed the joint commitment as a demonstration of Africa’s growing determination to shape its own development.
“Three years ago, the road looked steep,” Bangura reflected. “But together, we turned challenges into stepping stones, building resilience, amplifying our voice, and unlocking greater financing flows for our countries.”
The meeting marked the first time that all five countries in the constituency, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sudan, have contributed to the ADF. Sierra Leone pledged $3 million, joining Ghana’s $5 million, Liberia’s $3 million, Sudan’s $3 million, and The Gambia’s $2 million. This collective contribution represents a significant increase from the previous cycle’s $5 million pledge and underscores Africa’s push for home-grown solutions.
Rufus Darkortey, the outgoing Executive Director representing the constituency, emphasized that the contributions send a powerful message: “Africa is not just a recipient but a partner in shaping its own future.”
The meeting also recognized the leadership of Bangura and Darkortey, who are concluding their terms. The gathering welcomed new governors, including Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson of Ghana and Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan of Liberia.
Sierra Leone’s commitment extends beyond funding, with ongoing projects like the construction of the country office and the Lungi Bridge project. The African Development Bank is also supporting crisis response and food security initiatives in Sudan, while Liberia’s Coastal Highway Phase I is being considered for approval in 2025.
Looking ahead, Bangura urged member countries to position themselves as agile reformers and credible investment destinations.
“The message from the Bank and development partners is clear: future resources will hinge on performance, selectivity, and reduced reliance on grants,” he said.
The constituency’s forward strategy includes transitioning from ADF to African Development Bank financing, attracting private capital, and transforming remittance flows into development instruments.
Darkortey emphasized the need for domestic resource mobilization and private-sector development to drive sustainable growth.
“As we navigate these challenges, our unity and resolve will determine our success,” Bangura concluded.
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